Investigating how age affects vision through lipid metabolism
Official title: Role of ELOVL2 in age-related visual decline
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11015774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in fats in the body might affect eye health as we get older, especially for those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and it invites older adults to help by sharing samples or information about their vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,315 |
| NIH project number | 5F30EY035146-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015774 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing early signs of age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of vision impairment unrelated to age or AMD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of lipid metabolism in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. The study examines how changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, are influenced by age-related alterations in lipid levels. By analyzing the impact of specific fatty acids on RPE function, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to visual decline as people age. Patients may be involved in providing biological samples or participating in assessments related to their vision and age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism's role in eye health, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in AMD treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tom, Emily — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Tom, Emily
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.